HR 17 (LSB 2675YH (3) 87)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 17

BY  HEATON, WESSEL-KROESCHELL, BERGAN, BROWN-POWERS, LUNDGREN, HUNTER, DOLECHECK, FORRISTALL, BEST, MOORE, R. TAYLOR, KOESTER, SALMON, HOLT, MASCHER, FORBES, ANDERSON, HEDDENS, and FRY

A Resolution to designate November as Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Awareness Month.

   WHEREAS, diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans; and
   WHEREAS, diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not properly produce or use the hormone insulin that regulates blood sugar; and
   WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death associated with diabetes, due to complications associated with the disease such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and obesity; and
   WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease is a term used to define problems with the heart and blood vessels such as heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes; and
   WHEREAS, people with type 2 diabetes are at a two-to-four-times greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease and findings from a recent study reveal that 52 percent of adults living with type 2 diabetes are unaware they are at an increased risk; and
   WHEREAS, two out of three deaths in people with type 2 diabetes are attributed to cardiovascular disease in the United States, accounting for 68 percent of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes; and
   WHEREAS, the total health care costs for the treatment of diabetes are approximately $245 billion annually, with direct medical costs accounting for $176 billion of the total costs in 2013, and cardiovascular disease accounting for 28 percent of costs for treating diabetes patients; and
   WHEREAS, minorities and the elderly are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes; and
   WHEREAS, the Iowa Department of Public Health and other relevant partners seek to promote awareness, education, and action related to diabetes and the link to cardiovascular disease; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives designates November as Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Awareness Month in Iowa and encourages others to promote education and awareness of the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.